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EE Times: Free 32-bit processor core hits the Net

"A loose-knit organization called OpenCores is offering a
free 32-bit processor intellectual-property (IP) core in a move
that could undermine such commercial IP licensors as ARM and
MIPS."

"Before the end of this month, engineers should be able to
download VHDL description files and documentation for the OpenRISC
1000 core over the Internet at no charge. Engineers can already
download a C language compiler free...."

"The move has raised warning flags at IP companies. According to
the OpenCores organization, ARM Ltd. (Cambridge, England), the
leading licensor of processor cores, has already warned the group
not to build clones of any of its cores. Nevertheless, the
OpenCores organization said it is working on an OpenRISC version
that executes the MIPS-I instruction set of MIPS Technologies Inc.
(Mountain View, Calif.), an ARM rival."